About
Larix kaempferi, the Japanese larch, is a vigorous, deciduous conifer forming a large tree to 30 m with reddish young shoots bearing whorls of soft, light-green needles. The foliage turns golden-yellow to orange in autumn. Erect, ovoid cones to 3 cm long with out-curved scales are produced. One of the most ornamental and widely planted of all larches.
About the genus
Larix, the larches, are large deciduous conifers of broadly conical habit bearing soft, needle-like leaves in whorls on spur shoots and spirally on young growth, with attractive golden-yellow autumn colour and small, persistent, ovoid cones. Hardy and ornamental conifers for large, open sites.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any deep, well drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown from late winter to spring. Chilling the seeds for three weeks may aid germination. Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Graft in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to adelgids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility